The intimidating days of visiting Wrexham
Former Maidstone favourite Jason Lillis remembers Wrexham as one of the most intimidating places to go during United’s Football League days. Stones’ FA Cup second-round tie on Saturday will be their first visit to the Racecourse Ground in more than 20 years. They lost 4-2 in north Wales in April 1990, drew 2-2 in April 1991 and left with a goalless draw in January 1992, their final season in the old Division 4 before going bust. A young Lillis thrived on the experience and was even linked with a move to Wrexham. He said: “I liked playing there. It was a big ground and Wales used it as their main international stadium at the time. “Brian Flynn was the manager and he was interested in taking me to Wrexham at one point. “It’s a hard place to go and it was quite hostile being up there in north Wales. Things have changed a bit now but it will still be tough. “Back then, the whole England versus Wales thing came into it and it was a bit fraught at times. “When we stayed in the hotel, the staff would only speak in Welsh to you and you’d be thinking ‘OK then, that’s how it is’. “The ground’s changed from when I played there. The massive terrace behind the goal, which was full back then, is closed.” Lillis, now in charge at Lordswood and taking his UEFA A Licence, worked with Stones assistant boss Nicky Southall – nicknamed Trigger – at Whitstable last season. He added: “I wish Jay (Saunders, Stones manager) and Trigger all the best. “They’ll have done their homework and Maidstone have to believe in themselves. “It’s not impossible to get Wrexham back to the Gallagher Stadium at the least.”